The Beginning of Her

Chapter One

Shoving through the suffocating crowd, looking for a break in the bustling sea of people. The top of my head burned from the sweltering sun. As a I moved in between two Beastlings, their small tails accidentally hitting the back of my calf. Causing me to nearly dropping the wicker basket full of vegetables. The two Beastlings gasped after the realized they hit me. A soft giggle escaped my lips as I found an opening between the people. The Magi Market was always lively but today it was much more chaotic due to the beginning of the Summer Eves Festival. A time for both humans and magicians to enjoy celebrations for a week straight. Though there are still rules to follow, mainly for magicians.

Walking down the side street away from the bustling main road, each stall was filled with different goodies. A few elves sold small jewels, most likely stolen back from their masters. A few Beasties with their Beastlings walked, the little ones giggled as they chased each other. Looking for the familiar dingy orange tent cover, I moved to the side to avoid two gray-skinned trolls. The Magi Market couldn’t be considered an official market by the Empire. Settling in the slums of the capital the magicians reside here. Without the access to what most humans have, the made this place to get by. The Imperial Gaurd or some noble personal guard will ransack the market every now and then.

Finding the tent I hurried over and slammed the basket on top. “Venus!” I shouted into the surprisingly cool tent. Knowing Venus they were probably using a cooling mana stone. Though magic was illegal within the Empire due to magicians being the only ones able to use it. “Venus!” I shouted once again before there was a subtle thud in the back. “Child, yell one more time,” A familiar voice hissed. Their scales shimmering a deep blue from the sunlight. Venus crossed their arms over their chest. They wore the blouse I made for them two birthdays ago. “Well you didn’t answer the firs time,” I retorted feeling a sudden sting against my shin. I yelped as they laughed, their tail settled near my feet.. “Don’t you get snarky with me little girl, just because your a noble. That means nothing to me,” Venus spoke in a rough but calm tone. They leaned on the weather wooden table that was adorned with many different spices and herbs. There were a few gemstones hidden away as well. They picked through the basket. “Seems the community garden is going well, I am still surprise your betrothed bought you that piece of land.” Venus shook their head.

I could understand their disbelief at the thought. I asked Astrel to buy a piece of land in the slums before winter of last year, he was a bit hesitant at first but eventually gave in. Building a community garden and greenhouse for the people who reside here was a project most nobles frown upon but they couldn’t show it. After all I was to be the Crown Princess after my coming of age in the fall of this year. The nobles are very against it but the small council that the magicians are allowed to have despite the slavery laws in place. They support me due to what my father and I have done for them. Even so, everything still went according to plan and before spring this year, I was able to finish the project.

“Yes, so am I and the other nobles. But thankfully he did.” I picked up a tomato. “But these are for you, thought you might like to make something for the little ones down the street,” I smiled as Venus took the basket and tomato from my hand. “How are the streets today?” They ask placing the basket down somewhere inside. “Busy, after all its that time of year,” I said as I hopped over the tabletop. Standing inside the tent, sweat began to roll down back from suddenly being in a cold room. “Must you act like a heathen?” Venus shook their head as we walked to the makeshift seating area in the back. Wooden boxes stacked tall around us. Sitting down on the chair, dust billowed out around me.

“How is your mother these days?” They asked as the made some tea, the smell of lavender filled the small space. “Last letter was a few days ago, she said she will be busy finishing up the Empress dress for the ball at the end of this week. But other than that she is doing well, spending time with her lover,” I shrugged as Venus handed me a chipped tea cup. “That’s good, will you be attending?” They asked as they sat on a stool, their long tail wrapping around the base of it.

Venus was magician, more specifically a Beastly Anacondain. Their tribe lies in the a dense jungle down in the southern isles. I’ve learn about the tribe through Venus, they told me many stories when I was young. Father made sure I understood things from a young age, though he tried to teach my older brother these things. But like many humans Sicile didn’t want to learn. He found magicians filthy and lesser than him. I couldn’t think that way since many of them worked within our main estate. It just didn’t feel right. Especially since Venus helped raising after my fathers death.

“I have no choice but to go,” I shook my head. The corsets were unbearable just as much as the heels are. The skirts always were heavy, trapping hot air when we dance. Hence why I prefer my dark brown trousers and light blouse, similar to what I am wearing now. But that wasn’t the worst part. No its the stares from the attendees. For many reason they will stare. Oh the poor dukes daughter, such a sad soul after loosing her father so soon. Or she is such a disgrace of a noble, prancing around with filthy slaves. Or the looks of jealously, how can a child like me be the next crown princess. What have I done to deserve it? It’s all the same.

“What about your coming of age and engagement ball this fall? How is that going?” They asked as I sipped my tea. The sour sting of lemon hit my tongue followed by the familiar taste of lavender. “It’ll be held on the same day as Astrel’s,” I said shrugging it off. Typically it’ll be held separately but since both mine and Astrel’s birthday fall within the same week. The Imperial family wanted it to be a celebration of the century. It’ll be a week long festival with a ball every night. And the final night he will propose in front of the crowd. The thought makes me a little nausea at the thought of marrying him. It’s hard to say we love each other like husband and wife. But we are best friends who have each other mutual trust and respect despite our different political views. Even so it wasn’t the worst outcome of arranged marriages.

I gave her another half hearted shrug. “Mother and Empress Rein will not let me nor Astrel be involved. They are handling everything even the theme,” I set my cup down on the stacked books. The cover the top had a strange looking symbol, four dragons with a lotus. I frowned at it for a moment as I tried to remember where I have seen it before. “It’s the symbol of the fallen kingdom, Lainalei,” Venus spoke up when they noticed me pausing. My head snapped to them. “These are banned within the empire,” I said in a hush whisper causing Venus to laughed. “You shouldn’t be surprised, most the of the empire was made from that very kingdom. Many books and other artifacts are still being moved around under the table,” They smiled showing the tip of their fangs.

Lainalei was once a blooming kingdom, where magicians and humans lived freely. The queen was one of the very last Enchantresses. A rare magician that can freely control pure magic without paying the price that comes with using magic. Some texts say they can revive dead magic that comes after pure. After all our world is balance between the living pure that gives life to most magician kind and dead magic that run course through corrupted souls or the corpse of being who controlled pure magic once. There are other ways for dead magic to be made but they are very uncommon. Lainalei fell when our current emperor invaded them. The reason still unknown to this day, but even so the entire Lainalei royal family perished. Including their new born daughter. Much is still unknown about what truly happened that day. Ever since then, anything Lainalei related was considered illegal and punishable by death.

I shook my head as leaned back a bit. It wasn’t news to me that they had this sort of stuff. Many did, even human nobles. It’s a kingdom that once had a chance to become an empire. “Any who, how about we celebrate your birthday at the end of the Summer Eve Festival? I believe Zerrian is to be back in Springvale Port. She’ll be here by noon tomorrow. Deravin is still out on a job but knowing him he will make it,” They said causing me smile. “I would love that,” I giggled at the thought. Most likely will be held in the guild. The very guild my father built for many reasons that are unknown.

I looked to Venus as they dug through a box next us. After a moment they pulled out a small jewelry box. “Here,” Venus handed it to me. Taking the small black box, I looked at their amber color eyes as I opened it. I looked down to see a small gemstone that glistened a deep blue in the sunlight. Much like Venus’s scales. A string on twine was wrapped crudely around it making it into a necklace. “Venus,” I looked up at them. “Its tradition within my tribe to give our young ones a piece to remind them of their guardians,” They said as they reached over and picked it up. “We may not be blood, but we are family,” I turned around awkwardly so they could tie the necklace on. The gemstone laid above my collarbone. “Thank you,” I smiled as I turned back to them. Venus wasn’t one for physical touch, but showed their love through words and gifts.

I went to speak again but the words left me when Venus tensed. Their tongue flickered as they raised their head to the air. “Gracelyn, I need you to hide,” The urgency in their voice made me move. Picking up a piece of carpet I dumped my tea and fixed the rug back over it to hide it. “Go hurry,” They moved quickly to a mirror, pulling it back revealing an opening. “They are almost here,” Venus hissed as their tail pushed me towards the cramped hiding spot. Once I settled in with my knees pulled to my chest, Venus moved the mirror once again to hide me. I could see them shuffling through the tiny crack, Venus settled once again picking up their untouched tea.

The tension was suffocating as we waited who ever made Venus uneasy, and they weren’t one show such emotion. The wait wasn’t long as there was a sudden crash followed by heavy footsteps. A few men in dark green and white uniforms walked in. I recognized the colors, the Imperial Gaurd. Normally seeing them wouldn’t make my stomach turn, but we are in the Magi Market. Only reason for them to be here is for unwarranted trouble.

“Must you tear apart my stall,” Venus spoke with a harsh tone. Her remark was followed with a familiar laugh. “Venus, enough. You’ve been caught, come with us and it’ll be painless. Though if you refuse, well lets say it’ll be a long night.” A familiar deep voice spoke with such disdain. I felt my stomach when I caught the view of the man. Normally it would be hard to tell but the house pin gave it away. House Huntington, my house. Meaning my brother stood before Venus. “Very well. Gracelyn wouldn’t be too happy though,” I heard Venus move a bit. “You will be branded a terrorist and a traitor. Gracelyn will understand the events that will be unfolded.” Sicile spoke, he sounded happy as if he is enjoying all of this. “Drag them to Square,” Sicile barked his orders. There was a heavy thud followed by grunts. I covered my mouth to prevent the scream from escaping and giving my presence away. “She will find out the truth, Gracelyn is a smart,” Venus huffed though I could tell they spoke through gritted teeth. “Let her then, but will she believe it?” Sicile hissed. “Lets go, you will be executed at noon,” He shouted. There was shuffling followed with a few things shattering then there was silence.

The blood rushed in my ear as my stomached turned. I felt my breath quicken, forcing it to steady I pushed the mirror away. Watching it fall and shattering, I crawled out. The place was a mess, there was a dark stain on the rug. Most likely from Venus falling. Noon, he said noon. I looked around for thier mana stone clock. Finally finding a hand pocket watch, my breath hitched when I looked at the time. There is only thirty minutes till then, knowing that the Square is a good ten minute, fifteen being the streets are busy. I can’t lose Venus. Not after everything that has happened.

I hurried out of the back of the tent into the back alleys. It was less crowded with a few sleeping souls here and there. I looked towards the main street, seeing that it was busier than before. Clicking my tongue I looked around. That fifteen estimated time is now stretched due to the crowd being more packed than expected. I noticed the ladder across from me. Most of the buildings were close enough to travel that way, at least until you get closer to the Square. Without much thought on it, I ran to the ladder climbing hastily. The rust flaked off onto my skin as I reached the top. Climbing over the edge I straighten up to look around, the Imperial guard flag raised above the building, they were parading Venus around. There was sinking feeling in my gut as I ran, jumping over the small gaps in between building.

There was a burning sensation in my chest as my legs ached with every jump. Skidding to a stop near the edge, the jump was too larger for me. The Imperial Gaurd was a few building ahead, I could see Venus chained while being dragged behind a horse. They were treating them like live stock, no live stock is treated better. My breath hitched as I looked frantically for a way down. Seeing the ladder I quickly climb down, feeling a sting in my palm, jumping at the last few rungs. Landing with a heavy thud I ran into the crowd.

I took out the pocket watch. Seeing the time, my face drained of blood. I had ten minutes. Shoving it back in my pocket, with a sinking heart I ran into the crowd. Shoving past people, hearing their shouts of complaint and feeling a few shove back. Giving one finally shove, I stumbled into the a large opening. The bell tower could be heard in the background the first bong echoed. I looked up at the stage. Sicile dragged Venus by the chains. The second followed as he shoved them down. Their tail severed, dark blood pooled. The third made me move though by body was on its last bit of energy. I watched Sicile turned to the steadily growing the crowd, his mouth moved but no words followed. The fourth one rang causing me to move, blood rushed in my ears. The only sound that echoed in my head was the fifth bell. I thought their was more time. That I would have made it before Sicile raised his sword.

The blade reflected the sunlight, another bell rung. But I didn’t know what number. An arm wrapped around my stomach and pulled me back. Screamed ripped from my throat as Venus looked to me. Even from my distance I could see their gentle smile. Even as death was waiting, they weren’t afraid Then the blade fell followed by what felt like the final bell. Their head rolled as my knees buckled. “Gracelyn,” A familiar gentle voice spoke as they pulled my face towards theirs. It was Rob, an Imperial Soldier. He cupped my face. His dark brown eyes were frantic as he try to calm me. “Gracelyn breathe,” but it didn’t help. I felt my breathe quicken, trying to get more air in but to no avail. The corners of my vision darken and Rob’s voice was unable to be heard. Soon his features became a blur.

I felt my body slump as my world turned black. The only thing I could see in the dark abyss of my thoughts was Venus smile as their head rolled.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

I looked at DeDe, warm tears fell down my cheeks. “Did it change a lot for you?” She asked as she poured some tea. Lavender filled the room causing my heart to ache. “Yes, because it what the main reason for the attack during the engagement. I knew who put my brother up to it,” I said looking at the window. The leaves were a dark green, the wind pushing them carefully. Seems I slept through winter. “I think that is enough for tonight. Get some rest and we will start with getting you moving tomorrow.” She said handing me the steaming cup. I stared at it for a long moment before taking the sip, the liquid burning my tongue. “See you in the morning,” I spoke in a soft voice.

Setting the cup on the books and laid down. The pain duller than before as I turned on my good side. “Please get some rest,” DeDe said as the door such. I closed my eyes as my thoughts swarmed with the memory of Venus. They never feared, nor should I. Finally sleep came, full of haunting dreams.